When Godley High School senior Zackary Blincoe saw a need for a school newspaper, he jumped into action, making it his senior capstone project.

While running the journalism club at GHS, Blincoe headed up writing and publishing articles on 8.5-by-11 paper.

“We are aiming to print a full-sized newspaper by Jan. 5,” Blincoe wrote in a November email to Times-Review Publisher Lisa Chappell. “To achieve this, I am searching for a sponsor who can either print for us, or cover the cost of a wide format printer.”

After a Zoom meeting and Times-Review Editor Monica Faram visiting with the club at the school, they were able to partner to publish the inaugural edition, Wildcat Review. The first edition was distributed across campus on Tuesday and can be found in today’s edition of the Times-Review.

“Both Lisa and I were very impressed by Zackary’s initiative in approaching us about this idea,” Faram said. “To see a young person that passionate about journalism really touches my heart. We were more than happy to help arrange this special publication for Godley High School.”

Senior Project Sponsor Amanda Cloy oversees Blincoe’s senior project.

“It’s great that the Cleburne Times-Review has allowed us to produce a real newspaper in a true format, because newspapers are an art that should be preserved,” Cloy said. “Newspapers are important to the culture in any high school.

“I am so appreciative to the community for supporting this endeavor.”

Seven writers in the club cover topics such as sports, pop culture, student achievement, fine arts, politics, community and advice. It will publish near the end of every month.

“I think one thing about the newspaper is that it’s very inclusive,” Wildcat Review writer Caitlyn White said. “It allows people who might not be involved in sports or band to do an activity and have their voices to be heard.”

Faram will meet with the journalism club throughout the project and help teach them about how the process works and advise them on topics such as AP style and formatting.

“The newspaper is going great! It gives us all a chance to express our ideas about the school,” Wildcat Review writer Eliana Motsios said.

Giving the students an outlet for their voice is one of Blincoe’s main objectives with the Wildcat Review.

“One major issue in Godley has been the difficulty of informing students and hearing students’ own opinions,” Blincoe said. “With so many new activities, and so much growth within the school, it is important that students stay as informed as possible.”

Blincoe said that any Godley High School students are welcome to submit story ideas, photos or articles by emailing him at zackaryblincoe@student.godleyisd.net.

“It’s also great that the Cleburne Times-Review is helping us with the process,” Wildcat Review writer Catilyn White said. “It makes the paper feel more real and legitimate.”